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With the release of trailers for; The Force Awakens, series two of Star Wars Rebels and a cinematic showing of the new Battlefront game, it would be an understatement to suggest the last few weeks have been a great time to be a Star Wars devotee. There is a sense of excitement for the future but also nostalgia about the past. Aiming to continue the reflective mood, this article takes a look back at four of the best Star Wars games from previous generations, in no particular order.
1. Super Star Wars (SNES)
Released in 1992 on SNES, Super Star Wars is a memorable, side-scrolling, run and gun adventure faithfully adapting the story of the A New Hope (though some allowances were made in order to adapt to the gameplay style). Each level allows players to control Luke Skywalker however later stages enables the player to play as Han Solo and Chewbacca. The game also features several vehicle-based levels piloting the X-Wing , a landspeeder and even perform the Death Star trench run. The game is a difficult but equally enjoyable experience that still holds well today.
2. Knights of the Old Republic
Often cited as the best game from the franchise Bioware’s Knights of the Old Republic is an RPG set approximately 4000 years before The Phantom Menace film. This was a great idea as it enabled players to learn a lot more about the universe as well as experience planets, characters and force lore only briefly mentioned in the films. The gameplay is very good, particularly the ability to align between the light and dark side of the force, depending on choices made in-game. The story develops well throughout and the in-game world is extremely immersive.
3. Star Wars Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II
The Nintendo Gamecube is regarded by many as the weakest Nintendo console, but Star Wars Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II is easily one of the best games to come from it. The game spans all three of the original trilogy films, dropping players into the cockpit of some of the most iconic ships to defeat the Galactic Empire over ten missions across. Rogue Squadron II is was one of the best-looking games that retains great Star War authenticity, exceptional bump-mapping, lighting effects and models that makes player feel a part of the dog fights they are embroiled in.
4. Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy
Developed by Raven Software and published by LucasArts in North America/Activision in Europe, Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy is considered a great game for two reasons; a decent single player campaign and a brilliant online mode, the latter being the main appeal. The single player mode is good but plagued by poor AI. The online mode lets players duel one another in lightsaber battles, explore various well known maps and implement user-created modifications aimed at increasing personal enjoyment.
Inevitably many classic Star Wars games have been omitted from this list, honourable mentions go to Battlefront 2, Galaxies, Bounty Hunter and the Lego Saga.
Please feel free to comment below and tell us your favourite Star Wars games.
As always may the force be with you.